Bol Park
Cornelis BOL Park
Location: 3590 Laguna Avenue, between Barron and Matadero avenues
Description: 13.8 acre park in the Barron Park neighborhood. Long, narrow, lower meadow is bordered on one side by Matadero Creek, a paved path on the other. Redwoods and oaks provide perimeter shade. At the corner of Matadero and Laguna, a Native Plant Garden is a work in progress. Upper meadow remains undeveloped as per neighbors’ wishes.
Amenities: bicycle/jogging/walking path, footpath, children’s playground, benches
History note: A “donkey pasture” became a park when Cornelis Bol’s heirs sold to Barron Park residents 4.75 acres of family property for $65,000, half the market value. Bol was a native of Holland; a Stanford physicist and research associate; the inventor of the high-intensity mercury vapor lamp; and, along with his wife, the operator of the Barron Park Water Company for eleven years.
Of special interest: Adjacent to Bol Park in a private corral are Perry and Niner, two donkeys who visit the park on Sundays and special occasions.
( visit the neighborhood parks home page )
Last Updated: February 16, 2007